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Bitch Is A Bad Word: A Domestic Violence Podcast on Healing and Empowerment
(Re-Release) Trauma Bonding, Narcissistic Abuse and the Five Things You Must Understand with Dr Nadine Macaluso
Season 2.5, Ep. 51
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This episode originally aired on November 18, 2025.
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org
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In this episode, Lindsay welcomes back our BFF, Dr. Nadine Macaluso, psychologist, relational trauma expert, and survivor of one of the most infamous coercive control stories of our time. Dr. Nae breaks down trauma bonding in a way that finally makes sense, explains how narcissistic personalities pull you into their cycle, and shares the five non negotiable things you must know if you are dealing with someone who thrives on power, control, and chaos.
From Dirty John to Romeo style coercive control, Dr. Nadine gives a masterclass on the patterns, the psychology, and the science of why smart, capable, high functioning women get trapped in relationships that turn their world upside down. This is the episode every survivor, every bestie, and every woman rebuilding her life needs in her toolkit.
Inside This Episode:
• What trauma bonding actually is
• How narcissistic abuse forms and hooks you
• The five things you must understand to protect yourself
• How coercive control works and why it escalates
• Why survivors stay and what finally breaks the bond
• Nadine’s lived experience and how she rebuilt her life
About Dr Nadine Macaluso:
Dr Nadine Macaluso is a licensed psychologist and renowned expert on relational trauma and narcissistic abuse. Her work helps survivors understand the patterns that held them captive so they can break free, reclaim their identity, and rebuild with clarity and strength.
Visit her at https://drnae.com/ and get her book RUN LIKE AT HELL at https://drnae.com/product/run-like-hell-book-bundle/
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If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
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54. (Re-Release) There Is No In-Between: Narcissists, Stonewalling & the Shame of Staying with Phoenix Gould
01:05:50||Season 2.5, Ep. 54This episode originally aired on July 1, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What if the chaos you’re in feels familiar—because it is?In this validating and unflinching episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I’m joined by somatic trauma expert Phoenix Gould for a conversation that will hit home for anyone who’s ever loved someone who flipped from warm to cruel in seconds—and made you feel like it was your fault.We explore the terrifying emotional terrain of narcissistic relationships, especially for women conditioned in childhood to tolerate emotional abandonment. Phoenix shares how our nervous systems respond in survival mode, why basic kindness can feel revolutionary, and what it really means to practice self-love when leaving isn’t yet an option.Inside This Episode:• Why stonewalling and the silent treatment feel so familiar• The biological reason your brain can’t “think clearly” in the relationship• What happens when a narcissist senses they’re losing control• How to hold space for shame without letting it define you• Whether healing is even possible while you’re still with themAbout Phoenix Gould:Phoenix is a somatic trauma educator and therapist who helps survivors of abuse reclaim their bodies, boundaries, and sense of self. Her work centers on nervous system repair, radical self-compassion, and empowering women to break generational patterns.For Radical Self-Love Coaching, Find Phoenix:On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixcorecoaching/WhatsApp: +1 780-268-9888Or Email Her: phoenix@phoenixcore.caWe've got your back, Besties!You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!53.5. (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: The War After The Abuse - The Fight For Family Court Justice | Vicky's Story
01:19:15||Season 2.5, Ep. 53.5This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on Aug 28, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What happens when leaving the abuse is only the beginning?In this gripping episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Vicki shares her 21-year journey of surviving an abusive marriage, fighting through endless family court battles, and protecting her children while rebuilding her life from scratch.From being told “you’ll have no one and nothing” to watching her ex sabotage finances, drag her through years of litigation, and weaponize custody, Vicki explains how abuse doesn’t end when you walk out the door — it often continues in the courtroom.She opens up about:- What it’s really like to spend years and millions fighting in family court- How abusers use money and legal systems as weapons- The emotional toll of being gaslit, shamed, and silenced- Why leaving takes more than courage — it takes support and strategy- The turning point when she realized she already had the strength to get free- If you’ve ever thought:- “Why is my divorce taking years?”- “Why does my ex keep dragging me back to court?”- “How do I protect my kids when the abuse won’t stop?”— this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and less alone.📞 If you or someone you know is in danger, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.-----JOIN the BIABW PATREON and DISCORD SERVER where we're building our Bestie community! On Discord, we've created a safe space where you can connect anonymously with others and share. And on Patreon, I "spill the tea" all week long as well as have all the episodes available ad-free! Join at patreon.com/BitchIsABadWordSTAY UPDATED & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER:https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitch-is-a-bad-word-with-lindsay#biabwsubscribeConnect with Us:📧 Email: biabw@caliber-studio.com📱 Call or Text: (331) BITCHES📸 Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpod🎵 TikTok: @bitchisabadwordLISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:- Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word/id1780948251- Spotify Podcasts: open.spotify.com/show/3frZ12xmxKo0lCa8eIGCDD- Website: caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword53. (Re-Release) Rebuilding After Abuse: Going From Hurt to Healing with Dr. JC Doornick
01:15:14||Season 2.5, Ep. 53This episode originally aired on April 29, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----This week on Bitch Is a Bad Word, Lindsay sits down with renowned Health Transformation Coach Dr. JC Doornick to explore how survivors of domestic abuse can reclaim their health, self-worth, and future.From trauma recovery to emotional resilience, they dive into how small daily changes — micro-habits — can lead to powerful, lasting transformation. Whether you're healing from domestic violence, rebuilding after narcissistic abuse, or just starting to feel like yourself again, this episode will inspire you to shift forward.🎙️ In this episode:What "health transformation" means after abuse and traumaHow micro-habits create lasting changeTools for managing emotional turbulence and setbacksThe importance of self-compassion and support systemsUnderstanding the Human Interface Response System (I.R.S.)How sense-making improves survivor and provider communication in healthcare💥 If you're on the path to recovery, this conversation is packed with real strategies, encouragement, and insight. Healing is possible — and you deserve it.#DomesticAbuseRecovery #HealingAfterAbuse #TraumaRecovery #HealthTransformation #BitchIsABadWord #EmotionalHealing #DrJCDoornick #SurvivorSupport #MentalHealthAwarenessFOLLOW Dr. JC Doornick at- IG @DRJCDOORNICK- Free Substack Newsletter- https://drjcdoornick.substack.com/- Makes Sense Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168- Makes Sense Academy - https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about?ref=73b58fafc08543b5b120fec623c7901a52.5. (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: Whitney Walker | Addiction, Trauma Bonds & Why You Feel Hooked on Your Abuser
01:04:39||Season 2.5, Ep. 52.5This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on May 15, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----Trauma bonds can feel like addiction — because they are. In this powerful episode of Bitch Sesh (a special series of Bitch Is a Bad Word), Lindsay teams up with Whitney Walker—licensed therapist, spiritual teacher, and founder of Women Waken—to unpack the chemical addiction created by trauma bonds and toxic relationships.If you’ve ever felt obsessed, stuck, or unable to let go of someone who hurt you, this conversation is your truth serum. From the neuroscience of abuse and attachment to the power of spiritual recovery, this episode will help you understand why your body craves chaos—and how to reclaim your brain, heart, and power.🎙️ In this episode, we cover:How trauma bonds mimic drug addiction in the brainWhy you might feel addicted to your abuserThe neuroscience of emotional abuse and attachmentWhitney Walker’s personal story and her work with Women WakenPractical tools to begin breaking the cycle and reclaiming your lifeIf you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233🌿 About Whitney Walker:Whitney is a therapist and founder of Women Waken, a platform blending psychology and spiritual growth to help women heal from addiction, trauma, and codependency through divine feminine energy and soul work.**LISTEN to Whitney's podcast WOMEN WAKEN on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyYou’re not crazy. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not alone.We’ve got your back.#TraumaBondAddiction #EmotionalAbuse #ToxicRelationships #NeuroscienceOfAbuse #WhitneyWalker #WomenWaken #SpiritualRecovery #BitchIsABadWordPodcast #AddictedToAnAbuser #HealingFromTrauma52. (Re-Release) Crazy Love: Smart Women, Abuse & the Trap You Don’t See Coming with Leslie Morgan Steiner
01:00:21||Season 2.5, Ep. 52This episode originally aired on July 8, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What if the thing that makes you lovable is the very thing an abuser uses to trap you?In this unforgettable episode of Bitch Is a Bad Word, I sit down with Leslie Morgan Steiner—author of the New York Times bestseller Crazy Love, TEDx speaker, and former editor at Seventeen to unravel how a smart, successful Harvard grad found herself isolated, gaslit, manipulated, and eventually beaten by the man she thought was her soulmate.From the subway where they met to the final brutal assault that nearly ended her life, Leslie walks us through how emotional abuse creeps in slowly, how it’s disguised as love, and how even the strongest women can get stuck in the cycle. It wasn’t weakness that kept her there—it was love, loyalty, shame, and a belief that she could save him.We talk about the psychological warfare behind domestic violence, the myths we’re sold about being “the strong woman behind a troubled man,” and the cultural pressure to nurture—even when it costs us everything.Leslie’s story is one of survival, awakening, and ultimately reclaiming power. If you’ve ever been told you’re too emotional, too loyal, or too forgiving—this conversation will change the way you see yourself, and the way you define love.Inside This Episode:• What love bombing really feels like• Why even educated, empowered women stay• How abusers isolate you and erode your reality• The link between childhood trauma and toxic partners• The final choice that saved her life-and what it cost• Why abuse is never about intelligence or self-worth• How to trust yourself again, even after the unthinkableAbout Leslie Morgan Steiner:https://www.lesliemorgansteiner.com/Leslie is a bestselling author, speaker, and domestic violence survivor whose TEDx talk “Why Domestic Violence Victims Don’t Leave” has over 17 million views. Her memoir Crazy Love is a raw, intimate account of falling for and escaping a man who nearly killed her. Today, she’s a fierce advocate for survivors, a voice for women who’ve been silenced, and proof that life after abuse is not only possible, it is powerful.51.5. (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: The Red Flags of Moving Too Fast — From Dating App Charm To Emotional Abuse | Cory Ann
47:10||Season 2.5, Ep. 51.5This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on June 12, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----In this revealing episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, Cory Ann shares her intense story of falling for a charming stranger on a dating app — only to find herself trapped in a toxic relationship marked by manipulation, trauma bonding, and emotional abuse. If you’ve ever wondered how something that starts so hopeful can turn so dark, this episode is for you.We explore the subtle warning signs of domestic violence, the pressure to say “I love you” too soon, and the dangerous transformation of charm into control. Cory Ann opens up about recognizing abuse, breaking free from trauma bonds, and reclaiming her strength and voice. It’s honest, insightful, and essential listening for anyone navigating or supporting someone through abusive relationships.You’ll learn:How to spot the early red flags in dating and relationshipsThe psychology behind manipulation, love bombing, and trauma bondingWhy victims often feel trapped even when they know something’s wrongPractical steps toward healing and empowerment after emotional abuseHow to rebuild trust and boundaries in yourself and your relationshipsThis episode is perfect for listeners looking for:Awareness about dating abuse and toxic relationshipsGuidance on recognizing and escaping emotional manipulationStories of survival and healing from trauma bondsSupport for survivors and those who love themEmpowerment to reclaim your life and voice after abuseAbout Cory Ann:Cory Ann is a courageous survivor and advocate who shares her experience to shed light on the complexities of dating abuse and emotional trauma. Through her story, she inspires others to recognize the signs, break free, and rebuild their lives with resilience and self-worth.You’re not alone. Your healing matters. We’ve got your back, Besties!50.5. (Re-Release) Bitch Sesh: Grace Stuart on Why She Stayed
46:25||Season 2.5, Ep. 50.5This episode of Bitch Sesh originally aired on May 8, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----This week on Bitch Sesh, Lindsay sits down with Grace Stuart — domestic violence survivor and host of the Why She Stayed podcast — for a raw and powerful conversation about what keeps survivors stuck in abusive relationships and why they stay far longer than they ever imagined. Grace opens up about the night of her strangulation, the silent warning signs that escalate over time, and the devastating aftermath many don’t talk about. We also dig into restraining orders, guilt manipulation, and the dangerous myth that violence always “looks” violent.This conversation is brutally honest, deeply validating, and an urgent reminder that even “nice” messages can be a violation—and that love should never come with bruises, fear, or fog. Whether you’re a survivor, a loved one, or just trying to understand the complexities of coercive control, this episode will shake your perspective and speak directly to your strength.In this episode:What trauma bonding really looks and feels like How abusers use therapy as a manipulation tactic Why “love bombing” and “nice guy” behavior are often red flags The emotional aftermath of leaving — and how long it really takes to heal Tips for navigating restraining orders and reclaiming your safety The power of naming your story and finding your voicePlus:— A breakdown of what emotional abuse sounds like in “nice” language— Grace’s advice for survivors who feel trapped, confused, or ashamed— A candid discussion on guilt, grief, and growing into the life you deserveYou don’t have to wait for things to get worse to walk away. You just have to believe you’re worth saving.Watch the full video on YouTube. Audio available on all podcast platforms.If you are interested in coming on Bitch Sesh, please email us at biabw@caliber-studio.com, call or text us at (331) BITCHES, or DM us on our Instagram (instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod) or TikTok (tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword) pages.Trigger warning: mentions of strangulation, emotional abuse, coercive control, and post-trauma effects.If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233#DomesticViolenceAwareness #WhySheStayed #SurvivorStories #StrangulationAwareness #BitchSeshPodcast #CoerciveControl #LoveBombing #EmpathProblems #BreakTheCycle #DVSurvivor #ProtectYourPeace #TraumaBonding #Gaslighting #PodcastForSurvivors #AbusePrevention #VoiceForTheVoiceless #Bestiegang #Besties #BitchIsABadWordPodcast50. (Re-Release) One Mom’s Battle: Domestic Abuse and Family Court Trauma with Tina Swithin
01:08:35||Season 2.5, Ep. 50This episode originally aired on May 27, 2025.If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org-----What happens when the system meant to protect you actually works against you?In this raw and unfiltered episode of Bitch is a Bad Word, I’m joined by Tina Swithin—author, mom, and founder of One Mom’s Battle. Tina’s story started in the trenches of a brutal custody battle with a narcissistic ex, where she faced emotional abuse and a family court system that failed her. But she didn’t just survive—she turned her pain into a movement helping thousands of women find their voice and fight back.Together, we unpack the realities of narcissistic abuse, the emotional and legal trauma of family court battles, and how one woman is changing the narrative for moms everywhere.Whether you’re currently navigating abuse, healing from it, or standing beside someone who is—this episode is a must-listen.Inside This Episode:The truth about narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulationWhy family court can be one of the most dangerous places for survivorsHow to reclaim your voice and build a support systemTina’s mission to change the broken system, one mom at a timeYou are not alone. Your pain is valid. And your voice matters. We've got your back, Besties!If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233TINA SWITHINVISIT Tina: www.onemomsbattle.com FOLLOW Tina Instagram TikTok